CVE-2026-54052: CWE-639: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in czlonkowski n8n-mcp
Description
## Impact In multi-tenant HTTP deployments — where a single n8n-mcp server serves several tenants — the locally stored workflow version history (the automatic backups taken before workflow updates) was not isolated per tenant. An authenticated tenant could read workflow version snapshots belonging to other tenants, and could delete or destroy other tenants' stored backups. A stored snapshot includes full node definitions, so the exposed data can contain credential references and authorization headers configured on nodes. This is therefore a confidentiality issue in addition to an integrity/availability one. ## Affected configurations - HTTP mode with multi-tenancy enabled (`ENABLE_MULTI_TENANT=true`), where multiple tenants are served by a single shared instance and database. Not affected: - stdio / single-user deployments (e.g. Claude Desktop). - Single-tenant HTTP deployments (one tenant per instance and database). ## Affected versions `<= 2.56.0` ## Patched version `2.56.1`. The stored version history is now isolated per instance, so a tenant can only access its own backups. Upgrading runs a one-time migration that isolates existing history and clears previously stored, un-scoped backups (these are auto-created, short-retention backups). ## Workarounds If users cannot upgrade immediately: - Disable the workflow version tool by setting `DISABLED_TOOLS=n8n_workflow_versions` in the server environment (for example, in your Docker `.env`). This removes the affected tool from the deployment for all tenants; automatic backups are unaffected, but the cross-tenant access path is closed. - Alternatively, do not run in multi-tenant mode — serve each tenant from a separate instance with its own database, so no local store is shared between tenants. - Restrict network access to the HTTP endpoint to trusted operators. stdio and single-tenant HTTP deployments are not affected. ## Credit Reported by Francisco Rosales (@0xmagic0) and coordinated by Ax Sharma (@axsharma) of Manifold Security.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
Affected software
czlonkowski
n8n-mcp
pkg:github/czlonkowski/n8n-mcpRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in n8n-mcp (CVE-2026-54052) arises from improper isolation of local workflow version history backups in multi-tenant HTTP mode (ENABLE_MULTI_TENANT=true). Authenticated tenants can bypass authorization controls to access and modify backups belonging to other tenants. This leads to unauthorized disclosure and modification of sensitive workflow data, including credentials and authorization headers. The flaw is addressed in n8n-mcp version 2.56.1.
Potential Impact
An authenticated tenant can read and delete workflow version backups of other tenants, exposing sensitive information such as full node definitions, credential references, and authorization headers. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of tenant data within the multi-tenant environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade n8n-mcp to version 2.56.1 or later, where this authorization bypass vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigations are specified. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory stating the issue is fixed in 2.56.1.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-11T18:24:35.096Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a57f59668715ace437838d8
Added to database: 07/15/2026, 21:03:18 UTC
Last enriched: 07/22/2026, 22:48:16 UTC
Last updated: 10/14/2026, 18:48:21 UTC
Views: 330
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